Description:There is a need to explore the processes of social support and self-efficacy change over time among individuals in recovery homes, and to assess the extent to which residents remain abstinent, obtain and maintain employment, refrain from criminal activity, and utilize health care systems both while within the and after leaving such settings. Residents were recruited and interviewed at an initial baseline phase and then re-interviewed at three subsequent 4-month intervals. Oxford Houses are recovery home residences for individuals with substance abuse and dependence problems who seek a supportive, democratic, mutual-help setting. A national US sample of Oxford House residents (n=897: 604 men, 293 women). Information was gathered on abstinence, social support, self-efficacy, employment, criminal history, and medical care utilization. Change in cumulative abstinence was predicted by support for alcohol use, abstinence self-efficacy, and length of residency in OH (i.e., less than versus >or=6 months), even after controlling for initial time spent in OH. Results suggest that receiving abstinence support, guidance, and information from recovery home members committed to the goal of long-term sobriety may enhance residents' abstinence self-efficacy and enable persons recovering from alcohol and other drug addiction to reduce the probability of a relapse.

Homelessness Resource Center encourages discussion about the future of homelessness services in America. We invite your participation to ensure that a broad range of providers serving those experiencing homelessness are represented.

You will encounter opinions and perspectives from varied sources. These may not reflect the views of Homelessness Resource Center, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the Institute on Homelessness and Trauma or any other partner organization.

Be Respectful: We welcome your participation, but any comments that contain vulgar or offensive language, personal attacks, are wildly off-topic or otherwise inappropriate will be removed immediately and the offending party risks losing the ability to participate.

If You See Something Inappropriate, Report It: You may report any comment as inappropriate. Reported comments are immediately removed, pending review, so please report responsibly. The Federal Government and the Institute on Homelessness and Trauma have sole discretion in determining what is and what is not appropriate.

Don’t Include Personal Contact Information: To protect yourself and the privacy of others, please do not include phone numbers, e-mail addresses, or other personally identifying information in your comments. Such material will be removed from the site.

Do Not Request Services: This site is for the exchange of ideas and information regarding service delivery to those experiencing homelessness. It is not an appropriate location to request services or make referrals.